New York Law (NYLE) Practice Exam

Under the no-fault law, which benefit is available for medical expenses incurred after the date of the accident?

1. Up to $5,000 for property damage

2. Lost wages, without limitation as to time, up to $2,000 per month

3. Medical expenses incurred within one year of the accident

4. Medical expenses, whenever incurred, provided the need is ascertainable within one year

The correct answer is: Medical expenses, whenever incurred, provided the need is ascertainable within one year

The correct answer highlights an essential aspect of New York's no-fault auto insurance law. Under this legislation, medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident are not strictly limited to those that are immediate or that occur within a narrow window. Instead, benefits cover medical expenses whenever incurred, as long as the need for such medical services is ascertainable within one year from the date of the accident. This provision is crucial because it allows insured individuals to seek necessary medical care without the pressure of having to receive treatment immediately after an accident. This flexibility acknowledges that some medical conditions may require time to fully manifest or may be evaluated later, thus ensuring that victims can receive appropriate treatment for their injuries without financial hindrance. The other options do not accurately reflect the no-fault provisions concerning medical expenses. For instance, stating that medical expenses must be incurred within one year of the accident fails to capture the aspect of "ascertainability" within that timeframe. Meanwhile, claims regarding property damage or lost wages under this law do not pertain specifically to medical expenses, making them irrelevant in this context.